I just reviewed the girl from Jonestown (formally a home for the lost) by Sharon Maas and here is my review.
Zoe had enough of the roaming and decided for some peace and quiet at the home of her aunt and uncle. That peace was to be short-lived when a petrified woman leaves her a note saying... HELP!!! Then: Mom. Followed by a number.
After the loss of her husband and their unborn child, Zoe traveled around writing her stories as a freelance journalist. Once she arrives at her aunt and uncle's house, she is confronted by the realities of a commune so barbaric she can't ignore what is happening there.
Jim Jones has his followers quaking in their boots and a very real threat looming over them all.
After trying to get help from the government makes things worse for the girl who handed her the note, Zoe will stop at nothing to free the people trapped there before it's too late but in her quest to right the wrongs she may just put her faith in the wrong person and that may be the last thing she ever does.
I had no idea this was based on true events until after I was done reading it and now I want to know everything about Jim Jones. This book was very well researched and the story told by the author is one I will never forget.
Zoe was totally relatable and I loved her instantly. So smart and determined even after such loss. I loved watching her unfold the truth and heal herself in the process. Do not even get me started on Lucy. She is a firecracker and a half and i think even if Zoe hadn't come to help she still would have found her way out. I loved the settings for the book, especially the parts in the jungle. I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book half as much as I did. Once I was about 4 chapters in I couldn't put it down.
The pace was fantastic and the writing was so superb I literally could feel the bats flapping at my feet.
Best historical fiction I have read in a long time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction based on true events and is a fan of historical fiction in general. You will not be sorry.
5 stars!! Thank you netgalley and bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
